About Paths Through Britain
Britain’s footpaths are more than routes across the landscape they are centuries-old stories of movement, belief, survival and discovery. In this panel conversation, we explore how ancient tracks, pilgrim ways and long-distance trails reveal a hidden history of how people have travelled slowly through these islands, and why walking still holds such power today.
On the panel will be geographer and broadcaster Nicholas Crane. He draws on this new book The Path More Travelled, to uncover the origins of Britain’s path networks, from medieval church routes and drovers’ roads to the evolution of modern rights of way. Joining his will be Chris Butterfield offering insight into the legacy of Alfred Wainwright and the cultural importance of walking in Britain’s upland landscapes.
From ancient pilgrimage routes to contemporary slow travel, this event reveals how paths connect landscapes, histories and inner journeys.
Other panellist will be announced soon.
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Chris Butterfield
Chris Butterfield is a Wainwright archivist and author whose work focuses on the life, publishing history and legacy of Alfred Wainwright.
Credit: Steve Barber More
Over the past decade, he has assembled one of the most extensive private archives devoted to Wainwright. Chris is the author of Wainwright Memories and was instrumental in the development of the 70th Anniversary hardback edition of The Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. He regularly gives talks based on original archival research, exploring Wainwright’s working methods and influence on fellwalking and landscape writing. Chris also runs alfredwainwright.co.uk, an online resource documenting the publishing and printing history of Wainwright’s work.
Nicholas Crane
Nicholas Crane is a geographer, author and cartographic expert.
More
He is the recipient of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s 'Mungo Park Medal' in recognition of outstanding contributions to geographical knowledge, and of the Royal Geographical Society’s Ness Award for popularising geography and the understanding of Britain. Nick has been the lead presenter on more than 80 BBC films, including the acclaimed Map Man, Great British Journeys, Town, Britannia and Coast. Between 2015 and 2018, Nick was the elected President of the Royal Geographical Society.
Venue and bar opening times
This is an in-person only event in the British Library Knowledge Centre.
The Knowledge Centre and bar open from 18.00.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16–25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.
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